The Williams Lake Fire Department is looking towards using the funds Chemo RV donated to them at last week’s first responders appreciation event to relocate and build a new display case for the first new fire truck the Department had in service.
Fire Chief Des Webster spoke to Williams Lake City Council at a Committee of the Whole Meeting about the rationale for the project Tuesday evening
“When we had this appreciation it was quite a shock…Coming up on where we were going to spend this money it was the consensus that maybe this was a good start for our fundraising to get a shelter for the old truck and get it back to its’ original glory that it was over there when we were there all the time. The building and the truck are not being looked after right now and it’s sad to see it.”
“I think it needs to be at the new fire hall. It’s a big part of our history, a big part of the City’s history.”
Webster says although they haven’t come up with a concept or money to move the 1947 Maple Leaf fire truck to the Department from the Community Arts Centre members after Tuesday night’s practice were going to form a committee that will work towards a concept, location on the property, and costs.
He adds that they hope to salvage some of the glass and that labor will not be an issue as they have three carpenters on staff.
“The whole part of the history of that building was that the truck was refurbished. It was all done through our association through donations through the community which included the building costs so that’s why we’re going to try to salvage as much as we can into another building,” he said.
Council unanimously approved in principle to authorize the $19,100 donated by Chemo RV to be used towards a new display case and give consideration to provide some monies from the 2018 budget towards the project.